FBI looks to build firing range in Prince William County

It’s not a new headquarters, but the FBI is looking to build something in Prince William County: A firing range.

The FBI has agreed to provide Prince William with $150,000 to craft a master plan for a new gun range at the county’s existing officer training academy, 13170 Public Safety Drive in Nokesville.

According to a memorandum of understanding drawn up between the county and the FBI, the FBI has requested permission to use the county facility for firearms training. But the existing range is more than 18 years old, has never been expanded and does not have the capacity to meet the needs of county’s police department, much less the FBI.

The FBI, per the MOU, will provide funding for the construction of two 50 point handgun ranges and a rifle range, contingent on the availability of funds through the Defensive Systems Unit at Quantico.

The Prince William Board was expected to accept the $150,000 during its meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Because it does not have a Metro station, Prince William County is not a likely contender for the FBI’s proposed new headquarters. That said, the county did send a contingent to the General Services Administration’s FBI headquarters industry day Jan. 17.